The African Union has called for an immediate cessation of fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo where rebels have been advancing towards a provincial capital in the east of the country.
DR Congo has expelled the Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels who are now threatening the city of Goma.
It follows the take-over by the rebels of a key transit town in the east of the country.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegation that it supports the rebels.
The town of Kiwandja fell to rebel hands on Saturday, potentially cutting off the regional capital, Goma, from the north of mineral-rich North Kivu province.
The AU has urged all the parties to engage in a constructive dialogue and is calling them to peace talks in Kenya next month.
Joint Communiqué of the Chair of the African Union @Macky_Sall and the Chairperson of the AU Commission @AUC_MoussaFaki on the situation in the East of #DRC @ https://t.co/R8DzStcXqv pic.twitter.com/gC2ucHBBw7
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) October 30, 2022
A UN peacekeeping force in the region has placed its troops on high alert.